Attorney Perspectives on Seeking an Evaluation
| Item | % Endorsing True | n |
|---|---|---|
| I have represented clients in custody litigation/law suits. | 98 | 59 |
| I have served as a guardian ad litem. | 95 | 59 |
| I have sought an evaluation by a mental health professional as an advocate of the parent: | 95 | 59 |
| I prefer to have all parties involved in the evaluation [versus just one parent or the child(ren)]. | 95 | 58 |
| I have sought an evaluation by a mental health professional as an advocate of the child. | 83 | 59 |
| A mental health professional is the best person to conduct a custody evaluation. | 73 | 52 |
| In custody litigation, joint custody is most commonly sought. | 61 | 56 |
| In custody litigation, sole custody is most commonly sought. | 40 | 55 |
| In custody litigation, modification of custody is most commonly sought. | 33 | 54 |
| In custody litigation, change of visitation is most commonly sought. | 28 | 53 |
| Obtaining an evaluation is limited by the following factors: | ||
| Lack of resources of clients | 98 | 59 |
| Excessive cost | 86 | 58 |
| Lack of available experts | 64 | 58 |
| Lack of faith in such evaluation | 23 | 57 |
| Undue delay in completing the evaluation | 16 | 56 |
| The following individuals usually respond unfavorably to the request for a custody evaluation: | ||
| Custodial parent | 47 | 53 |
| Mother | 25 | 53 |
| Father | 22 | 54 |
| Noncustodial parent | 15 | 54 |
| Child(ren) | 10 | 52 |
| A custody evaluation usually helps the child(ren). | 83 | 54 |
| A custody evaluation usually has little impact on the child(ren). | 40 | 53 |
| A custody evaluation usually harms the child(ren). | 2 | 53 |
| It is my opinion that custody award should be guided by: | ||
| Best-interest standard | 95 | 56 |
| Preference for joint custody | 62 | 53 |
| Preference for sole custody to the more suitable parent | 12 | 51 |
| Tender-years presumption (young children should go to mothers) | 4 | 53 |
Percentages have been rounded.